Feature

Highly integrated gate drivers in motor control designs save space

High power density, high-efficiency, three-phase brushless DC (BLDC) motors powered by Li-ion batteries enable development of cordless power tools, vacuum cleaners and e-bikes. However, to save space for even more compact electromechanical devices, designers are under pressure to further shrink their motor control electronics, which is no simple task.

03/06/2019 11:01:44

Apart from the obvious difficulties of squeezing the driver components into a tight space, pushing everything closer together adds to thermal management and electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems.

Building better electric motors

Electric motor design has rapidly evolved due to the dual commercial pressures of energy efficiency and space saving. The digitally controlled BLDC motor represents one strand of this evolution due to its 20 to 30 percent greater efficiency than conventional brush-commutated DC motors. BLDC motors are smaller, lighter and quieter for a given power output than brush-commutated DC motors and have superior speed versus torque characteristics, a more dynamic response, noiseless operation, and higher speed ranges.

Read the full article in the June issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.